Kate Hudson Covers Self, Talks Male + Female Relationships

Kate Hudson is ravishing, showing off her legs and her cleavage in summery style, on the cover of the May 2014 issue of Self. Inside, she revealed how she navigates her relationships with males, as in romance, and with females, as in friendship.

The actress made an obvious point – that "relationships are the most challenging things." Hudson, who was previously married to musician Chris Robinson, and who is now engaged to Muse singer Matthew Bellamy, father of their son Bing, revealed how she views things. We have to accept those we love, flaws and all. The same applies to ourselves.

"It's where you do the most work in your life," she (via E!). "You come face-to-face with yourself, and if you can deal with realizing we're all flawed, accept it and work with it, you might have a really amazing, lasting relationship."

As for her BFFs, she keeps those close, too.

"My mom once said something so poignant to me," Hudson, 35, confessed. "'Honor your female friendships, because men can come and go, but when we nurture our relationships with women, they can be forever.' I really believe that. My girlfriends are so important to me. They've been my rock-solid foundation."

She also believes that happiness takes work, but "not the sort you find in self-help books, where you smile and have a vision board. You're fooling yourself to think that's how you're going to find it. I love the idea of a gratitude journal, but there are times when mine turns into a venting journal. Not so grateful, just a big ol' vent!"

So that takes care of the soul and the mind. But what about her body? She has learned to give herself some time to indulge. It's all about balance.

"I make sure I eat well without depriving myself of the things that I love," she said. "I indulge at least three times a week."